The Hill House, located in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne">Melbourne's</a> northern suburbs, has received a playful and dynamic makeover by <a href="http://www.maynardarchitects.com/Site/splash.html">Andrew Maynard Architects</a>. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/extension/">extension</a>, which was added over 10 years ago, had created a dark inside area. So to bring more light into the space, the architects made an upgrade that would maximize the use of the south-facing <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/backyard-house/">backyard</a>. The structure now finds itself fully-integrated with the landscaped outdoor space and flooded with light, and the backyard has become a central feature to the building with plenty of space for play and relaxation.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

The award-winning idea has improved solar access access, and the home is flooded with light in during the winter months, helping to reduce energy costs.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

Facing the original house, the new structure has high windows which look out over trees, and the entire space opens out to the surrounding landscape.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

Constructed at different levels, the entire design forms an innovative structure, with a lowered dining area and higher living space creating a bench seat.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

Situated in a typical, narrow plot in the Australian city's suburban area, the new design makes the most of the site's limited space.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

And although the original home was left the same, the new addition transforms the plot, completed with an inventive hilled backyard.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

Although the existing home was left the same, the new addition makes it almost unrecognisable.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

A lowered dining area and higher living area create a bench seat.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

Facing the original house, the new structure has high windows which look out over trees.

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Hill House by Andrew Maynard Architects, image credit Nic Granleese

The Hill House, located in Melbourne's northern suburbs, has received a playful and dynamic makeover by Andrew Maynard Architects. The extension, which was added over 10 years ago, had created a dark inside area. So to bring more light into the space, the architects made an upgrade that would maximize the use of the south-facing backyard. The structure now finds itself fully-integrated with the landscaped outdoor space and flooded with light, and the backyard has become a central feature to the building with plenty of space for play and relaxation.